The administration of a deceased estate follows the loss of a family member or friend. At a time when most people would rather be focused elsewhere, an executor or administrator is required to attend to legal and financial matters that can be unfamiliar and, at times, complex.

Administering an estate is not simply a matter of reading a will and distributing assets. An executor is responsible for obtaining probate where necessary, dealing with estate assets and liabilities, attending to taxation issues and ensuring that the estate is administered according to law.

Some estates are relatively straightforward. Others involve businesses, trusts, family companies or more complicated family circumstances. Every estate is different, and the administration should reflect that.

Eastern Bridge has one of the strongest wills and estates teams in Victoria. Our estate administration team combines extensive experience with a practical and compassionate approach. Clients are supported by lawyers and legal professionals who deal with estate administration every day, under the supervision of lawyers recognised as leaders in this area of the law.

Our role is to guide executors through the administration of an estate. Sometimes we assist with a single step, such as obtaining probate. More often, we work alongside executors from the beginning of the administration until the estate has been finalised.

Where appropriate, we also work closely with accountants and financial advisers to ensure that legal and taxation issues are considered together.

Estate administration requires careful attention. The process itself should not involve unnecessary fuss.